Spatio-temporal elements of articulation work in the achievement of repeat prescribing safety in UK general practice

• Published in: The Sociology of Healthcare Safety and Quality pp. 121 - 139
• Main Authors: Grant, Suzanne, Mesman, Jessica, Guthrie, Bruce
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated 2016; John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
• Subjects: articulation work; ethnographic methods; healthcare quality; medication safety; repeat prescriptions; The Health Foundation; UK general practitioners
• ISBN: 1119276349; 9781119276340
• DOI: 10.1002/9781119276371.ch8

This chapter examines the formal and informal work employed by general practitioners (GPs) and receptionists to safely conduct repeat prescribing work in UK general practice using Strauss's concept of 'articulation work' across a range of general practice contexts. Through the lens of articulation work and the application of ethnographic methods, this study has also revealed the central role of the informal, invisible practices of general practice receptionists, with informal, cross‐hierarchical communication often more effective than formal structures of communication. The application of articulation work to examine medication safety in UK general practice has enabled the exploration of the relationship between the formal, visible elements of repeat prescribing work alongside more informal, invisible elements, and their respective roles in the achievement of repeat prescribing safety. A recent report by The Health Foundation has highlighted the fundamental importance of understanding and taking into account internal organisational context in examining and implementing quality improvement work.